Nagaland: ‘Emphasis on finding missing cases from estimated TB cases’

NTEP conducts 3rd quarterly review meeting

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 17 (MExN): The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) conducted its 3rd quarter review meeting on November 16 at the IDSP conference hall, DH&FW, Kohima. Dr Vezokholu Theyo, State TB Officer chaired the programme.

V Kezo, Commissioner & Secretary, H&FW, emphasised on finding the missing cases from the estimated TB cases and stressed on the importance of data validation of targets and achievements. He added that an integrated approach with other vertical programmes was the need of the hour. Advocacy meetings with Church bodies, involvement of the media fraternity and seeking political commitment from the elected representatives were some activities that he suggested which needed to be focused.

‘Detect, Treat, Prevent and Build’ 
The review mainly focussed on the newer initiatives launched by the GoI for TB Elimination by 2025 such as on TB Free Panchayat/VDBs, community involvement of TB survivors, decentralization of TB care at AB-HWCs. Nagaland has a strategic document in place which lays emphasis on four key strategies i.e. ‘Detect, Treat, Prevent and Build’ to achieve all the stated activities. It may be mentioned that the notified TB patients till date is 3,720 on treatment. The success rate stands at 85%.

Dr Collins Z Sono, WHO Consultant highlighted the programme’s performance in the state while Dr Deka Dhrubajyoti, WHO Consultant, RTL East & NE; and Dr Palash Talukdar, WHO Consultant made presentations of the various newer initiatives. As per the district wise TB score based on nine NTEP indicators, Wokha was in the 1st position followed by Peren, then Mon district.

Dr Mereninla Senlem, SPO, (NHM) encouraged the district to rope in more Nikshay Mitras who voluntarily provide food basket nutritional support and emotional support to TB patients. The meeting was attended by all the officers and staff of NTEP.